Bukayo Saka has returned to light training to hand Arsenal a timely injury boost.
The England international underwent surgery at the end of the December after suffering a torn hamstring in the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Saka is not expected back until March - but he has now taken a major step towards availability after returning to strengthen and conditioning training.
The attacker has travelled with his team-mates to their winter training camp in Dubai ahead of this weekend's visit to Leicester where he has accelerated his schedule ahead of his anticipated return.
The club on Monday released new photos of their academy graduate completing a session at the club's temporary base at the Middle East much to the delight of their supporters.
Saka's return to action cannot come soon enough for Mikel Arteta, who is also missing Gabriel Martinelli with a hamstring injury.
Brazil international Martinelli is set to miss around a month with a hamstring injury to leave Arteta's attacking options stretched.
On a more positive note, there is hope Ben White will be available this weekend following a three month lay-off after knee surgery.